Getting older gives you wisdom, maturity and makes you more practical. However, old age has its downsides too. As we grow older, our strength, flexibility, and balance start diminishing/reducing. As a result, even simpler daily tasks start becoming tricky.

A number of practical mobility aids come in handy for retention of long-term independence in your old age. Grab rails is one of the important mobility aids for use in washrooms and bathrooms.

There are several variants of grab bars or rails available in the market.

So, let's understand the various grab rail variants and their areas of application.

• Straight Grab Bars

This variant attaches directly to the wall and runs in a straight line. You can position it either horizontally or vertically or somewhere in between as per your preference and convenience. In general, metal or sturdy plastic constitute these grab bars.

However, as you need to screw them directly to your wall, make sure you hire a qualified professional to get them installed.

A vertically fitted grab rail may serve as a general balance aid during the use of the sink or dressing or undressing. A horizontally-fitted grab rail helps raise yourself from or lower down to a sitting position from a commode or shower seat.

Think about your requirements and its placement before installing them.

• Angled Rails

This variant is available with a bend in either the middle or towards its one end. This bend can be lesser or equal to 90°. In general, people choose to keep the lower end horizontal with the upper end pointing upward.

The upper part serves as a hand hold and helps maintain a neutral wrist position, while the lower section allows you to rest your forearm while providing more support and comfort.

• Floor-to-Ceiling Rails

These rails are like long vertical poles that stretch from floor to the ceiling encompassing the full height of your room. Generally, people use them in bedrooms, but sometimes are suitable for bathrooms as well.

Some models are stand-alone, while some others have additional horizontal rails fixed to poles, commonly around waist-height. In several cases, this additional rail swivels in the direction you prefer.

One thing to understand while fitting these rails is that you should find such a spot where they don't block the way and yet offer necessary support when required.
 

• Bath Rails & Tap Rails

Bath rails provide sturdy support to hold on to while going into or coming out of the bath. They fit on the bath with screw clamps to hold them and to convert them into a support bar that reaches above the side of the bath.
 

Tap rails fit within the bathtub itself and have taps at one end. They fold down across part of the bath to provide support. They fold up against the wall and occupy lesser space when not in use.
 

• Well-Mounted Fold Down Rails

Usually, these have an elongated U-shaped design of large diameter metal and are ready-to-install directly on the toilet. They provide a sturdy horizontal support rail when deployed.
 

You generally find them in care clinics, hospitals or toilets for disabled, but you can also find them in domestic settings. It has one advantage over other variants - you can fit it on either side of the toilet and not compulsorily close to the adjacent wall. It is available in various sizes and you can pick one based on how far you need the rail to protrude from the wall.
 

Some of them have also a plinth, making it possible to fix them on the floor in the desired position. Most of the models are available with a 'flip' mechanism. You can flip them against the wall with the help of a locking mechanism to prevent them from falling.

Summing It Up

'Grab rails' is one of the vital mobility aids that can help you use your bathroom and toilet independently. They can give you the much-needed support for standing and movements like rising or lowering in your bath, toilet or even bedroom.

However, they would serve you the best only when you choose the right variant. Considering the above-discussed points and consulting a medical professional can help you arrive at the right decision easily.

A pressure relief cushion is of great help to those with mobility restrictions. They help prevent development of pressure sores and maintain skin integrity in bed-bound or wheelchair-bound people. Sometimes, finding a suitable pressure cushion may be tricky just like in the case of other mobility aids.

Though a professional's recommendation is always the first thing to seek for, considering some basic factors while selecting the pressure cushion may simplify your process a little.

So, let's walk you through what all points to bear in mind while selecting a pressure cushion.

• Pelvic Stability

Pelvic stability is an important factor to consider while selecting a pressure cushion. The pressure relief cushion you choose should provide you with sufficient pelvic stability.

This means that your pelvis should be in a 'neutral' position. It shouldn't rotate forwards or backwards. A proper coordination between your lower trunk and proximal posterior muscles helps attain stability in your spine. A stable spine helps the trunk extend properly keeping your body straight. Thus, not only your posture stays straight but also your abdomen and chest don't feel unnecessary pressure that facilitates proper breathing and digestion. Further, a stable pelvis and spine may facilitate using your arms without losing your upper body control.

To achieve pelvic stability, matching the contours of the cushion surface with those of your posterior may be a good idea.

• Immersion

Bottoming out is the condition when the pressure relief cushion doesn't provide adequate support resulting in the transfer of the person's weight to the bed base. If this happens, the pressure cushion may induce pain. Even worse, a person may develop Ischial Tuberosity or Ischial bursitis (severe inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac between tendons and muscles in Ischia, the bones in the base of pelvis) overtime.

Therefore, ensuring that your cushion supports 'immersion' is advisable. A cushion that is not too soft or easily compressible but still lets your body to sink without bottoming out may be a good choice.

• Off-Loading

Off-loading is removing the pressure from a small surface area (Ischial Tuberosities, lower pelvic bones) and distributing it to a greater surface area (to femur and thigh bones). This helps even distribution of pressure that provides more stability and skin-protection.

• Envelopment

Apart from immersion, envelopment is also a crucial factor. Immersion and envelopment are often inter-linked.

After ensuring you sink well into the cushion without bottoming out, you should also ensure that your cushion provides envelopment. This means that it envelops your bony areas and distributes pressure across the entire surface area.

This reduces pressure on bony areas preventing their inflammation.

• Heat

The increase in heat may lead to the development of ulcers. So, choosing a pressure cushion that keeps your body temperature optimal is recommendable. If you tend to perspire more, a gel cushion may help slow down the rise in body temperature and keep your body cool.

On the contrary, if you tend to feel colder, a standard foam cushion can give you extra insulation.

• Waterproofing

If you suffer from incontinence issues, a simple cushion may not suffice for you. A cushion provides adequate water-proofing may work well. Such a cushion won't only keep you dry but also prevent damage to your skin from continuous moisture.

• Fire Retardancy

Ensure that your pressure cushion is fire-proof and complies with the British Standards Institute (BSI) for pressure cushions, especially if you smoke often or need support getting up from your wheelchair or bed in an emergency.

• Portability

If you travel frequently and need to transport your cushion from one place to another, the weight of the pressure cushion also matters. A foam or gel cushion may not be as easily transportable as an air cushion due to it being heavier.

Hence, an air cushion may be an ideal choice for easy and frequent transportation.

In a Nutshell

A pressure relieving cushion is one of the essential mobility aids for the individuals bound to spend hours in sitting/seated or supine position. However, it is important to bear in mind that all mobility aids are useful only when you choose them wisely. Hence, if you consider the factors mentioned above while selecting a pressure cushion, it may help you arrive at the right decision easily.

As a person gets older, aging-related maladies may affect their quality of life. They may need support to move around or stand. An injury or accident may also render a person temporarily disabled. Domestic injuries, workplace injuries, and sports injuries are some of the common problems. A congenital disease may also be the cause of a person's disability.

Mobility aids come in handy for a person suffering from a short-term as well as lifelong disability. They provide support to people, help them move around, stand, walk and perform all daily-routine activities with more ease.

One of the most common and valuable mobility aids for people with leg injuries or disabilities are crutches. They give support to people with balance or coordination issues.

There are several crutch variants available in the market. However, picking the right one is crucial. The reason is: a wrong choice may defeat the purpose of buying it. Out of the different crutch variants available in the market, forearm and underarm are the two most common.

Let's understand the factors to consider while choosing the right crutch variant of the two.

Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Crutch Variant

Balance and Movement

Balance is a crucial factor in deciding on crutches. Without proper body balance, you may have a hard time standing, even for a short period.

If you require a crutch just for temporary issues and balance your upper body by yourself, considering the forearm variant can be useful. Though you may find it relatively difficult to use initially, it may serve you well in the long run.

This variant may also let you move freely in different gaits in different trains once you master the art of using it. It can also come in handy for walking long distances without putting too much strain on your body.

Unlike the forearm variant, the underarm versions may come in handy for people with more serious balance issues or suffering from neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.

Though you can use this one easily, it may offer a little less flexibility. You might also feel comparatively more pain and strain in your muscles when you use it for longer durations. This pain may restrict your motion further.

Upper Body / Torso Strength

Crutches don't require a person to have strength in their arms alone. They transfer the weight from a person's lower body, especially legs to their torso, not just arms. So, it is important to keep in mind that your torso strength plays a crucial role when choosing the crutch.

Though both crutch variants require your upper body strength, the forearm crutch may require more. Hence, if you have enough strength in abdominal and pelvic muscles and arms, going with the forearm crutch variant may be beneficial.

On the other hand, if you require a little more torso strength, considering the underarm variant might be useful. It can be easier to use and you might be able to walk without straining your body much.

Posture

Last but not least: posture. It also plays a crucial role in deciding the right crutch type.

If your torso has enough strength and can bear enough weight, choosing the forearm variant may work the best for you. This variant doesn't let you slouch over and helps you stand straight.

On the contrary, the underarm variant might have a bad effect on a person's posture over time. People often tend to slouch over and transfer their entire weight to their shoulders when tired. Eventually, the use of this variant might lead to pain and strain in their backs. In the long run, they may develop backache and other issues due to bad posture.

Therefore, first-time users might consider going for the forearm variant unless they are completely unable to carry their body weight.

In a Nutshell

While mobility aids are helpful for people with temporary or permanent disability issues, choosing the right ones really matters. A pair of crutches can be a great asset for people who have had leg injuries, mobility or balance issues, or degenerative diseases.

It is important to get the opinion of an expert before choosing crutches. Factors like your purpose, the severity of your condition, flexibility, body posture and torso strength must all be taken into account. Always consult a medical professional who has first-hand knowledge of your condition before choosing. 

A mobility aid is a device that improves the ability of people to move around freely and independently. They allow a person with mobility limitations to walk without causing much fatigue or pain.

There are a variety of mobility aids available to meet one's needs. From canes, crutches to stairlifts and wheelchairs.

To help you pick a suitable mobility aid, it is important to understand some of the main types and how they might be useful.

Canes

Canes support your body's weight and help in transferring the load from the legs to the upper body. In this sense, they are similar to crutches. However, they take less weight off the lower body compared to crutches and place greater pressure on the hands and wrists.

If you have a balancing problem while walking, a cane may help you walk more steadily.

Types:

• White canes: These assist people who are visually impaired. They are longer and thinner to help you detect objects coming in your path. Generally speaking, they are not strong enough to lean on.
   
• Quad canes: These provide a wider base and greater stability. They have four feet at the end of the cane.
   
• Forearm canes: They offer extra support to your forearm by distributing most of the weight from the wrist to the arm.

Crutches

You can use crutches individually or in pairs. They transfer weight from the legs to the upper body, helping the user maintain an upright posture. You can use this type of mobility walking aid for short-term injuries or in some cases on a permanent basis.

Types:

Axillary (underarm) crutches: Suitable for short-term injuries, you can place one part of it against the ribcage under the armpits while holding onto the handgrip.

Lofstrand (forearm) crutches: A user can place the arm into a metal or plastic cuff and hold a handgrip. This style is more common for long-term users.

Platform crutches: The user's hand holds a grip while the forearm rests on a horizontal platform. These are suitable for people with a weak hand grip due to arthritis or cerebral palsy.

Walkers

Also known as Zimmer frames, these mobility walking aids contain a metal framework with four legs to provide stability to the user. Basic walkers have a 3-sided frame that surrounds the user. When a user lifts the frame and places it further in front of them, they can step forward to meet it before repeating the process.

Some types of walkers have wheels or gliders on the base of the legs which allows the user to slide the walker forward. This helps people with limited arm strength.

Different types:

1. Rollators: These devices consist of a frame with four wheels, handlebars with a seat to provide rest to the user when needed. They also have hand brakes as a safety measure.
2. Knee walkers: These devices allow the user to rest their knee on a padded cushion and propel themselves forward with their stronger leg.
3. Walker-cane hybrids: This type of mobility walking aid has two legs rather than a full-frame. You can use it either with one or both hands for better support than a standard cane.

Wheelchairs

These can help people who can't put weight on their lower limbs or are unable to walk.

A user can manually propel the wheelchair themselves or have someone assisting them to push it. Then there are electrical wheelchairs too. Sports wheelchairs can assist a player in performing well in specific sports.

Mobility scooters

This mobility aid is increasingly popular in the UK and enables someone to get from A to B without having to walk.

They contain handlebars or steering wheels to control direction, footplates to let users rest their feet.

This can be beneficial for people facing issues using a manual wheelchair due to limited upper body strength or flexibility.

Before buying a mobility scooter, it is important to know the rules to use these devices on roads or pavements. If using one for the first time, training is a must.

Important to Note

While these mobility walking aids provide several benefits, using them incorrectly can be dangerous. Hence, before using mobility aids, book an appointment with a doctor, physiotherapist or occupational therapist to learn how to use them properly.

As a person grows older, they may start having issues with walking, balancing and standing. Similarly, a person who has become temporarily immobile due to an accident or a disease can also have problems standing for long periods.

In such scenarios, a mobility aid can be of great help to move around independently and confidently. One such mobility aid is a wheelchair.

If you are planning to buy a wheelchair, you need to be well informed when choosing its model and accessories. With a wide range of wheelchairs out in the market, choosing the right model may be a bit tricky. So, it is important to understand which points to consider while buying a wheelchair.

Things to Consider while Buying and Using a Wheelchair

1 ) Consult a physiotherapist

Whenever you need to buy a wheelchair, the first thing you should do is to consult a professional. They will assess your body type, posture, and strength. Accordingly, they'll guide you on which type of wheelchair would be suitable for you.

2 ) Performance of the Wheelchair

The performance of a wheelchair depends on a number of factors.

Weight and Foldability

The weight of a wheelchair plays a crucial role in its performance. It impacts both its ease of use and transportation.

Besides the weight of a wheelchair, its foldability is also important to consider. You can easily take a foldable wheelchair anywhere with you by placing it in the boot of a car. This makes it suitable for transportation over long distances.

Durability

The longevity of a wheelchair depends on the level of stress it can withstand. So, always go for popular brands when buying a wheelchair. You can consult your physiotherapist for this as well. They may suggest a few good brand names to you.

Stability

The reason for considering stability while buying a wheelchair is that an unstable chair may tip over on slopes or slanted surfaces.

To ensure stability, the tip-angle of the wheelchair should be as small as possible. Furthermore, the load on its rear wheels should be as high as possible.

Manoeuvrability

The minimum space a wheelchair requires to turn around, the better is its manoeuvrability. A wheelchair with a minimum turn-around width is most suitable for tight spaces like public toilets, office cubicles, or narrow corridors.

3) Sitting Comfort

Seat Width

The seat should be wide enough to accommodate your posterior properly. It should let you move and reposition freely without increasing the risk of developing pressure ulcers. As a general rule of thumb, it should be equal to the distance between the widest part of your thighs plus around 2 cm on either side.

Back Width and Backrest Height

Generally, the back width should be equal to the widest part of your back for maximum comfort. The backrest height should be as per your convenience.

If you need minimal support to sit, you can set the backrest's height up to the bottom of your shoulder blade. And in case of more support, keep it up to the top of the shoulder blade.

4 ) Wheelchair Accessories

It is always good to equip your wheelchair with some useful wheelchair accessories to get the most out of it.

Here are some common accessories to equip your wheelchair with:

Safety Belt Some people like to use a safety lap belt. It is useful as it prevents you from falling out of the wheelchair on rough ground.

Backpack It comes in handy as it lets you carry things around. Be it a food item, water bottle or a small umbrella; you can store them all.

Table Tray A wheelchair tray is of great help to anyone who uses a wheelchair. You can use it for meals, books, laptops, etc. This makes it a practical accessory for day-to-day use.

Gloves Wheelchair gloves prevent damage to your skin or hands from self-propelling, starting, and stopping the wheelchair. They also provide a firm grip in wet weather.

Rain Cover or Poncho It is important in the winter as it protects you from getting wet when it is raining.

Summing Up

Whenever you need to buy a wheelchair, considering the above points would help buy a suitable device. It is equally advisable to consider using wheelchair accessories as required to enhance its utility.